'owe' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'āgan,' where 'ā-' meant 'to own' and '-gan' meant 'to have.'

'āgan' transformed into the Middle English word 'owen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'owe.'

Initially, it meant 'to possess or own,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to be obligated to pay or repay.'